The tree in my front yard puzzled me. One side leafed out fully before the other side even got started. I was convinced the tree was sick until one of my kids pointed out the rather obvious fact that the early leafing half faced east and got more sun during the day.
I wonder sometimes if the impact of God’s love and mercy on my life is like that. Oh, he bathes me in his light—no doubt—but am I only allowing it to impact part of my life, my concerns, my priorities and my choices? Am I only half in bloom?
Lent is a time to take stock of that, isn’t it? The word itself comes from an old English word for “spring”—lencten. Maybe part of my journey is to remember that I’m not like that tree. I can move. I can adjust. I can open my arms and welcome God’s warmth on all sides, letting him bring every corner back to life with his light, rising from the east, every day.
Thank You Father in Heaven for giving me Your light and energy to make it through this day. AMEN in Jesus Name AMEN
Wow, a powerful reminder to move and adjust! Thank you for this!
I love this devotional, it reminds me of the lyrics of one of my favorite songs by DC Talk. I keep trying to find a life On my own apart from you I am the king of excuses I've got one for every selfish thing I do Tell me what's going on inside of me I despise my own behavior This only serves to confirm my suspicions That I'm still a man in need of a Savior () I wanna be in the Light As You are in the Light I wanna shine like the stars In the Heavens Oh, Lord be my light And be my Salvation 'Cause all I want is to be in the Light All I want is to be in the Light
What a beautiful analogy, Amy. Unlike a tree that can't move, we are able to move in all directions so God's light can touch us wherever it is needed. My God's light touch all of us during this Lenten season. Continued prayers for all Living Faith family.
That's a wonderful insight! Thank you!
may God's light (correction)
Thank you for a great reflection, Amy! Have a wonderful day day, everyone! By the way, I have a tree like yours in my yard as well!
Wonderful Amy!! I love imagery and analogies. There are sides of me that need more light and I need to be the one to move and reach out for it! Thank you, happy Wednesday everyone, have a good trip in Florida Ken.
I agree great imagery and analogy, it really helped me see the point. Time I changed direction in some areas to allow more light in.
What a great image of that tree, Amy!!! How do we welcome God's Son (the Light of the world) as He told HIs disciples in Matthew 20:26-28, "Don’t be like that (Gentile rulers hold power over people in V25). Instead, anyone who wants to be important among you must be your servant. And anyone who wants to be first must be your slave. Be like the Son of Man. He did not come to be served. Instead, He came to serve others. He came to give His life as the price for setting many people free.” *** No volunteers, but servant slaves! *** Romans 1:1, "I, Paul, am writing this letter. I serve Christ Jesus. I have been appointed to be an apostle. God set me apart to tell others His good news." *** John 13:12-17, "When Jesus finished washing their feet, He put on His clothes. Then He returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” He asked them. “You call Me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord.’ You are right. That is what I am. I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet. So you also should wash one another’s feet. I have given you an example. You should do as I have done for you. What I’m about to tell you is true. A slave is not more important than his master. And a messenger is not more important than the one who sends him. 17 Now you know these things. So you will be blessed if you do them." ******* 1 Peter 5:1-4, "I’m speaking to the elders among you. I was a witness of Christ’s sufferings. And I will also share in the glory that is going to come. I’m making my appeal to you as one who is an elder together with you. Be shepherds of God’s flock, the believers under your care. Watch over them, though not because you have to. Instead, do it because you want to. That’s what God wants you to do. Don’t do it because you want to get money in dishonest ways. Do it because you really want to serve. Don’t act as if you were a ruler over those under your care. Instead, be examples to the flock. The Chief Shepherd will come again. Then you will receive the crown of glory. It is a crown that will never fade away!" Amen!
Love the thought of allowing Jesus into all of the aspects of our life, not just the convenient ones. Thank you Amy for a beautiful reflection to start the day!
I do feel like a tree sometimes because I am always reaching for God’s beautiful and powerful light. I love your devotional, Amy. There is a sign by our church that I read when I walk by. We have lots of solar panels nearby and the sign says, “Our church is powered by the sun, but we are powered by the SON.” It’s so true. Have a beautiful Wednesday LF Son lovers!
AZ Nanny of 4, We appreciate the friendliness in which the question was offered, but we recommend against personal location disclosures. While our comment policy does not specifically rule out parish membership under the information we recommend keeping private, we do suggest that commenters refrain from posting personal information such as addresses and locations. Thank you.
AZ MOM, is your parish, Our Lady of Sorrows?
Continued prayers for the Ukraine. Father in Heaven, have mercy on us and on the whole world! You sent Your Son, the Prince of Peace, for the salvation of the world. We pray that the Peace of Christ will reign in Ukraine. Please protect and send aid to those in Ukraine and all who are at-risk. We pray for peace – we who are working towards it and for all who are in danger from this conflict. We pray for an end to violence and war – we pray for wisdom for all leaders who have a hand in this. Lord God please help those in most need of thy mercy. Amen.
Jesus "leaves" the 99 tp save us. Makes sense now.
Thank you!
This is simply beautiful Amy...thank you...good morning LFF...have a blessed day everyone
Living Faith provides brief daily Catholic devotions based on one of the Mass readings of the day. Published new each quarter, these reflections are written by women and men from a variety of backgrounds - lay people as well as clergy and religious. Learn more.
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Beautiful reflection! Thank you.